Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has condemned the ongoing violence in the South-East linked to the secessionist movement. During a court appearance on Wednesday, Kanu urged for an out-of-court resolution of his treason charges.
Kanu, detained since his 2021 arrest and extradition from Kenya, expressed his condemnation of all forms of killings in the region. In a video clip circulated on Wednesday, he reiterated IPOB's commitment to non-violence, stating, “We are fighting for freedom, then how can we fight death at the same time? It’s not possible.”
During the trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Kanu's lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, highlighted issues with the Department of State Services (DSS), accusing them of not complying with court orders for Kanu's unfettered legal access. Ejimakor indicated plans to pursue contempt proceedings against the DSS Director General for surveillance of Kanu's legal meetings.
Justice Binta Nyako advised Kanu's team to seek negotiation with the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), emphasizing that the court cannot mandate an out-of-court settlement. She ordered the DSS to provide a secure, non-surveilled meeting space for Kanu and his lawyers.
Meanwhile, Kanu's fresh application to dismiss the charges was rejected by the court, which maintained its jurisdiction over the case. The trial was adjourned to September 24.
Ohanaeze Supports Amicable Settlement
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a prominent Igbo sociopolitical group, has endorsed Kanu’s proposal for negotiation. Speaking to our correspondent, Chief Vincent Aham, Deputy Vice-President (South-East), expressed hope that Kanu’s release through dialogue would alleviate the region’s insecurity. Aham emphasized that previous efforts for a political solution under the Buhari administration were unsuccessful, and urged President Bola Tinubu to act promptly to ensure peace in the South-East.
